November 11, 2001|By Don Markus | Don Markus,SUN STAFF
That quip caused more team turmoil, with "old guy" Charles Oakley, a 17-year league veteran on a young team that includes two teen-agers, criticizing the coach's tactics and substitutions. Then, for remarks deemed detrimental to the team, management slapped Oakley with a $50,000 fine.
The Chicago Tribune quoted team sources as having witnessed a shouting match between Oakley and Floyd, with the coach refusing to lead a subsequent practice, as well as several players saying they may help Oakley pay the fine.
The paper also attributed this to Oakley: "I can survive. People who have to survive are people who've got 25 years-to-life and can't get out [of prison]. I've only got seven more months [until his $7.3 million contract ends]. It might be some hard time. But I've got to do it."
Measuring the Lakers
Are the Lakers ever going to lose? If they get past tonight's game against Orlando - a matchup many are predicting for this season's Finals - Los Angeles will be 6-0, with five of the wins coming against teams picked to make the playoffs.
The schedule doesn't get easier, with games at Houston on Thursday, at Phoenix on Friday and against Sacramento next Sunday at the Staples Center.
Shaquille O'Neal is averaging 29.2 points, and Kobe Bryant is scoring 28.6 per game. No NBA teammates have ever each averaged 30 points in the same season.
Compiled from interviews, wire services and reports from other newspapers.
